Last year was a record season for Mark McGwire who, despite playing in only 130 games, managed to hit a career high, becoming the 14th player in major league history to hit 50 home runs. He is also the only player to hit 50 home runs playing in fewer than 140 games, which he did at a major league record rate of one home run every 8.13 at bats. He now has a career average of one home run every 12.41 at bats, which is second only to Babe Ruth’s 11.76.

In 1984, McGwire was the A’s top pick in the free agent draft, and he played 16 games that year for Modesto, batting .200 in 55 plate appearances. The following year he spent as Modesto’s starting third baseman, showing exceptional power.

Three years later, in 1987, McGwire was awarded American League Rookie of the Year, selected unanimously by the BBWAA, only the second rookie to earn that distinction. By 1989 he was leading the A’s and ranked third in the American League with 33 homers.

McGwire graduated from Damien High School, Claremont in 1981, and he attended the University of Southern California for three years. He was a member of the United States Olympic Team in 1984.